MOTM: Ipswich Town 0-0 Bolton Wanderers - Jack Hobbs

Another game, another defensive minded performance. This one however can very much be forgiven for happening. Right from the off, Bolton were clearly set up to try and be more positive going forward. No back 5, a proper attack minded midfielder in Oztumer and the return of the wingers. Bolton had every chance of snagging more than point it seemed as Ipswich weren’t providing any real threats.

Then the moment of madness. Wilson unnecessarily brought down Kayden Jackson and got himself stupidly sent off. Bye Oztumer, hello defending playing for a point. That just added to a mixed day for the defence. Both full-backs were average at best, Olkowski unusually sloppy in possession and bar the moment of the season with Grounds nutmegging Gwion Edwards to send him into retirement, he was mediocre as well. With the bad comes the good though as Wheater did a solid job coming on for Wilson.

Then there was the Man of the Match, Jack Hobbs. Recovering from a gash to the head at Middlesbrough to start today, Hobbs demonstrated why he was once considered one of the Championships best defender before his span of injuries. He was all over the back line putting in strong tackles and blocks to stop Ipswich getting into shooting positions into the box. Not to mention his passing was quite calm and it’s rather refreshing to not see the ball constantly being hoofed up field by Beevers.

Hobbs made an incredibly solid case to partner Wheater against Derby on Saturday and long may his form continue and that the injuries that have plagued his last few seasons are long behind him.